The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially opened the 2026 tax filing season and has begun accepting and processing individual federal income tax returns for tax year 2025.

The IRS expects approximately 164 million individual tax returns to be filed for tax year 2025 before the federal deadline of Wednesday, April 15. Taxpayers can find a variety of tools and filing options on IRS.gov to help them prepare and submit their returns.

“As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the IRS and its employees are once again proud to serve American taxpayers as they meet their tax obligations during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Commissioner,  Frank J. Bisignano.

“Not only does 2026 mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but it also coincides with the 40th anniversary of electronic tax filing,” Bisignano added. “As in 1986, the IRS encourages taxpayers to speed up processing by filing electronically instead of on paper. To accelerate any refund, we also recommend choosing direct deposit.”

Most Refunds Are Issued Within 21 Days

Direct deposit remains the fastest way to receive a refund. In addition,  pursuant to Executive Order 14247, the IRS began phasing out paper refund checks on September 30, 2025. As a result, most taxpayers must provide routing and account numbers to receive refunds via direct deposit into their bank accounts.

Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the  “Where’s My Refund?” tool, the  IRS2Go  mobile app, or their  IRS online individual account.

Although the IRS issues most refunds within 21 days, some returns may require additional review and could take longer.

EITC and ACTC Refunds Available Starting March 2

The IRS expects that most refunds related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) will be available in bank accounts or on debit cards beginning March 2, 2026, for taxpayers who selected direct deposit and whose returns do not present other issues. Some taxpayers may receive their refunds earlier, depending on their financial institution. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool will provide estimated deposit dates for most taxpayers who claim the EITC/ACTC before February 21, 2026.

At ACMM Consulting, Inc., we closely monitor official announcements and updates from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), especially at the beginning of the tax filing season, when timely and accurate compliance is essential to avoid delays, penalties, or unnecessary reviews.

Proper planning, accurate electronic filing, and a thorough review of each case are key factors in protecting your tax position and optimizing your financial outcomes.

For personalized guidance regarding tax return preparation, compliance matters, or strategic tax planning for tax year 2025, contact us via WhatsApp at +1 (305) 924-2374 or email us at info@acmmconsulting.com.

The information contained in this article is general and informational in nature. ACMM Consulting, Inc. is not responsible for decisions made by readers without proper professional advice. Each personal or business situation is unique and requires individual analysis.

Source

IRS